The Healing Power of EFT Tapping For Stroke Recovery

Recovering from a stroke can feel overwhelming, but rest assured, you're not alone. In this article, you will learn the transformative power of EFT Tapping for stroke recovery. From understanding the initial impact to moving toward rehabilitation and beyond, EFT Tapping therapy is dedicated to support you every step of the way.

HEART HEALTH AND STROKES | TYPES OF STROKES AND TIME REQUIRED FOR RECOVERY | EMOTIONAL PLIGHT AFTER SUFFERING FROM STROKE | STEP-BY-STEP REHABILITATION PLAN POST STROKE | HOW EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES CAN HELP IN STROKE RECOVERY | EFT TAPPING STEPS TO DEAL WITH STROKE RECOVERY | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | CONCLUSION

Have you ever encountered a huge mountain that seemed impossible to climb?

That's what recovery from a stroke can feel like, an overwhelming peak looming in front of you. But just like any mountain, it's one you can conquer with the right tools and support.

While most of you might focus on the physical journey of getting better, there's another crucial aspect often overlooked which is the emotional toll. Fear, anger, frustration, and even trauma can become unwelcome companions on your path to recovery.

EFT Tapping is a gentle healing technique that can be a powerful tool for emotional recovery after a stroke. It complements your physical rehabilitation and empowers you to navigate the emotional complexities of life. So, take a deep breath, and come along!

HEART HEALTH AND STROKES

It's important to understand that heart and brain health are closely linked together. Knowing this connection can help you prevent both stroke and heart disease.

So how does heart disease lead to stroke?

Imagine your arteries like water pipes. Plaque, a waxy substance like cholesterol, can build up inside these pipes, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. This is called atherosclerosis.

Just like narrowed pipes can limit water flow to your house, a narrowed artery can limit blood flow to your heart and brain. This puts you at risk for:

Heart Disease: When blood flow to your heart is limited, it can lead to a heart attack.
Stroke: When blood flow to your brain is cut off, it can cause a stroke. This happens when a blood clot forms in a narrowed artery or when a weakened artery bursts. The point to note is that many risk factors for heart disease and stroke are similar, and both are often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some things you can do:
Eat a Healthy Diet: Consume fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive oil. Limit processed foods, salt, and sugary drinks.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight range for you.
Be Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, like yoga or meditation.
Quit Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and increases your risk for both heart disease and stroke.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

By taking these steps, you can protect your heart and brain, reducing your risk for both stroke and heart disease. But instead of just focusing on just the physical body, a complete recovery from a stroke needs a more holistic approach.

Types of strokes and time required for recovery

Stroke, often referred to as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), can vary widely in severity, with some causing minor and temporary symptoms, while others result in significant and lasting impairments.

Understanding the differences between minor and major strokes is crucial for early recognition, prompt medical intervention, and appropriate management.

There are three different types of stroke:

Ischaemic stroke

An ischaemic stroke is caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain. This is the major and most common type of stroke.

Symptoms of this major stroke can vary depending on the location and extent of the brain injury but often include sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, severe headache, vision changes, and loss of coordination or balance.

Unlike a minor stroke, symptoms of a major stroke do not resolve quickly and may result in permanent disability or even death if not promptly treated.

Haemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain.

Transient Ischaemic Attack or TIA.

A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke or mild stroke. It is the same as a major stroke, except that the symptoms only last for a short amount of time. This is because the blockage that stops the blood from getting to your brain is temporary.

Symptoms of a minor stroke typically last for usually less than 24 hours and may resolve on their own without causing permanent damage. Common symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, temporary loss of vision in one eye, and brief episodes of confusion or dizziness.

Emotional Plight after suffering from stroke

Experiencing a stroke can bring about a spectrum of emotional transformations, as it isn’t just a physical distress.

It's normal for you to feel a range of emotions, like sadness, worry, anger, or frustration, shock, denial, fear, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss, as a person confronts the sudden upheaval in health and lifestyle.

These emotional challenges can be further compounded by social isolation, a loss of identity, and feelings of hopelessness.

However, amidst the struggles, many stroke survivors find resilience and strength, seeking support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, therapists, healers and support groups to navigate the emotional aftermath and find solace, acceptance, and hope for the future.

These feelings can be overwhelming but they don't have to control your life. Focussing on holistic approaches like the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), which combines acupressure, mindfulness, and positive affirmations, can also aid in the healing process by addressing emotional distress and promoting a sense of inner peace and resilience alongside physical recovery.

STEP-BY-STEP Rehabilitation Plan post stroke

Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in stroke recovery, focusing on rebuilding physical strength, emotional stability, mobility, and independence.

Multidisciplinary approach

Stroke rehabilitation typically involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and rehabilitation nurses. Together, they develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Setting realistic goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is essential in rehabilitation. Whether it's regaining the ability to walk independently, improving hand dexterity for everyday tasks, or enhancing speech and communication skills, each goal serves as a milestone on your journey to recovery.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. Through targeted exercises, gait training, and functional activities, you'll gradually regain control over your movements and rebuild muscle strength weakened by stroke.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy aims to enhance your ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. From dressing and grooming to cooking and driving, occupational therapists provide strategies and adaptive techniques to overcome challenges and maximise independence.

Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy addresses communication difficulties, including speech articulation, language comprehension, and swallowing problems. Therapists employ various techniques, such as speech exercises, language drills, and swallowing exercises, to improve communication and swallowing function

Assistive Devices and Technologies

Assistive devices and technologies play a crucial role in rehabilitation, facilitating independence and enhancing quality of life. From mobility aids such as walking canes and wheelchairs to communication devices and adaptive tools, these resources empower you to overcome physical limitations and participate fully in daily activities.

Home exercise program

In addition to therapy sessions, a home exercise program tailored to your abilities and goals is essential for maintaining progress and promoting long-term recovery. Your healthcare team will provide guidance on exercises, stretches, and activities to perform independently at home to supplement in-clinic therapy.

Patience and Persistence

Rehabilitation is a gradual process that requires patience, persistence, and dedication. There may be setbacks and challenges along the way, but remember that every effort you make contributes to your overall progress and well-being. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and stay focused on your journey of recovery.

Support and Encouragement

Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals who believe in your ability to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Their encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support will bolster your confidence and motivation throughout your rehabilitation journey.

Alongside the rehabilitation plan, incorporating an emotionally healing technique such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in your daily life can offer a comprehensive approach to stroke recovery, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of healing.

How Emotional Freedom Techniques can help in stroke recovery?

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) presents a completely new dynamic in your stroke recovery journey due to its holistic approach to healing. It works at the root level by addressing emotional distress, feelings of anger or resentment, annoyance, stress, and trauma. hence complementing traditional physical rehabilitation methods.

It offers a non-invasive, self-administered tool for managing emotions, reducing anxiety, and developing a positive mindset essential for navigating the challenges of stroke recovery. Moreover, EFT's simplicity and accessibility make it suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities, providing a valuable resource for promoting emotional well-being and resilience during the recovery journey.

Here’s an example of the potential benefits of EFT Tapping in the stroke recovery journey.

A 37-year-old woman with a history of complex trauma, anxiety, and depression experienced a stroke affecting the right side. CT scans showed a haemorrhage and brain clot, delaying surgery due to the risk of another seizure. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, she received Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) combined with guided imagery within 24 hours of the stroke and continued with 90-minute EFT sessions daily for a week in the hospital (1).

Upon discharge after seven days, she displayed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, pain, and mobility, along with noticeable enhancements in balance and coordination. She even passed a driving test shortly after. Follow-up CT scans indicated minimal scarring or evidence of the stroke, with stable blood pressure and no need for medication. This case study reflects the practitioner's perspective on the provided sessions (1).

If you would like to experience the power of the Emotional Freedom Technique first-hand, just download the EFT booklet below.

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EFT TAPPING STEPS TO DEAL WITH STROKE RECOVERY

Dealing with frustration during stroke recovery can be profoundly challenging, as it often involves navigating a complex array of emotions and physical limitations. Here's a tapping sequence specifically designed to help manage the emotional theme of frustration in the journey of stroke recovery.

Do note that this is just a sample, and you can use this same sequence to explore any emotion other than frustration as well.

EFT Tapping Sequence for Managing Frustration in Stroke Recovery:

Step 1:

Acknowledge Your Current State

Temperature Check:

Begin by checking how you're feeling, both emotionally and physically.

Recognise the specific aspects of your stroke recovery that are causing frustration. Be detailed about the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations that accompany this frustration.

Questions to consider:

What aspects of your recovery are most frustrating?
What triggers your frustration?
What changes would you need to feel less frustrated?

Explore the Physical Sensations

Focus on where in your body you feel the frustration. Describe these sensations in terms of color, texture, size, and shape. Quantify the intensity of your frustration on a scale of 1 to 10.

Begin Tapping on the Karate Chop (Side of the Hand)

Use a tapping statement to acknowledge your feelings, for example:

“Even though I am feeling frustrated with my progress in stroke recovery, and I feel this frustration in my [specify body part], it’s at a level [__], [__] in colour, and it makes me feel [describe the sensation], I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

Tap on the Facial and Upper Body EFT Tapping Points

Tap using the following phrases or tailor them according to your feelings of frustration:

Eyebrow: This frustration in my recovery...
Side of the Eye: I feel it in my...
Under the Eye: It’s at a level...
Under the Nose: It makes me feel...
Chin: This frustration is...
Collarbone: It makes me feel so...
Under the Arm: This feeling of...
Thumb: Because of my recovery, I feel...
Index Finger: This frustration in...
Middle Finger: I feel it deeply in my...
Ring Finger: This sense of frustration...
Little Finger: It feels so...

Close the Sequence by Tapping on the Karate Chop Again

Reiterate the setup statement to reinforce self-acceptance despite the frustration:

“Even though I am feeling frustrated with my stroke recovery and feel this frustration in my [body part], it’s at a level [__], [__] in color, and it makes me feel [describe the sensation], I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

Breathe, Relax, and Hydrate

Take a moment to breathe deeply, relax, and drink some water.

Test and Reflect

Re-evaluate the intensity of your frustration. Ask yourself:

What number is the frustration at now?
What has changed after the tapping?
How do I feel about my recovery now?

If your frustration level has decreased and you feel more at peace, you may conclude the session. If not, you may repeat the tapping rounds as needed.

Step 2:

Delve Into Past Experiences Related to Strokes and Address Them

Connect with the emotions surrounding the stroke and observe where you feel them in your body.

To uncover memories associated with stroke-related symptoms, consider asking:

When did you first notice the symptoms of your stroke?
What events or circumstances were happening around that time?
Have you experienced similar physical or emotional sensations in the past?
Can you identify triggers that worsen these symptoms?

By tapping into these memories and emotions, you can facilitate healing and promote recovery from the effects of a stroke.

Step 3:

Address Any Limiting Beliefs From the Past

Reflect on past incidents that may have contributed to your current feelings of frustration and any limiting beliefs about your recovery process. Work on transforming these beliefs into positive affirmations that support your recovery journey.

Step 4:

Conclude with Positive Tapping

End the sequence with affirmations that develop resilience and positivity, such as:

“Even though the journey of stroke recovery is challenging and I feel frustrated sometimes, I choose to celebrate the small victories and keep moving forward. I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

This sequence is designed to help you navigate the complex emotions associated with stroke recovery, helping develop a more compassionate and understanding approach to your healing journey.

“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

C.S. Lewis

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What percentage of patients make a full recovery from stroke?

Stroke recovery is a complex process, highly individualised and influenced by factors such as the stroke's severity and its location in the brain. According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 10% of stroke survivors achieve a "complete recovery" within the initial 30 days. However, for the remaining 90%, recovery can vary greatly.

Research indicates that less than 20% of stroke survivors fully recover even after an extended period. However, this doesn't mean that the rest face permanent disability as an absolute certainty. With targeted and intensive rehabilitation, many individuals continue to experience functional improvements, sometimes even years after the stroke (2).

What new evidence-based therapies might help improve recovery from stroke?

Two specific interventions showing promise in stroke recovery through conventional therapies are mirror therapy and constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). Mirror therapy, also known as prism adaptation therapy, employs basic equipment to direct a patient's attention toward a neglected hemifield. CIMT, on the other hand, entails intensive rehabilitation aimed at overcoming learned disuse of the affected arm, while simultaneously restraining the unaffected arm (3).

How long does stroke recovery take?

Stroke rehabilitation typically commences in the hospital shortly after the stroke, often within one or two days. Its purpose is to facilitate the transition from hospital to home and reduce the risk of future strokes.

The duration of recovery varies for each individual, spanning weeks, months, or even years. While some achieve full recovery, others contend with long-lasting or permanent disabilities (4).

CONCLUSION

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), with its ability to help with core issues, serves as a guiding light amidst emotional turbulence, offering a holistic approach to healing alongside physical rehabilitation.

With the help of EFT Tapping therapy, proper nutrition, and physical care, you can embark on a journey to stroke recovery. Each step forward, whether big or small, signifies your strength and courage.

P.S. Want to discover if EFT is right for you? Book a Complimentary Discovery call.

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In summary, stroke recovery is often overlooked. By integrating EFT Tapping with stroke recovery rehabilitation programs, you can address feelings of frustration, anxiety, and trauma while gaining resilience and inner peace. EFT Tapping empowers people to steer their recovery journey with hope, strength, and renewed vitality!

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